cape disappointment lighthouse

60BrianB60

There's a nice trail from the parking lot out to the lighthouse with a very picturesque "Dead Mans Beach" on the way.Next to the lighthouse is a Coast Guard lookout for the dangerous Columbia River bar.

andyc483

I think that's three periods in a row.This was the first ever lighthouse I had ever seen in real life back in '86.Not much has changed but I didn't pay attention to scenery back then.The hidden cove on the way is spectacular! A must if in the area and you can spare a few hours.

KaChHa

A great view of the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse is from in front of the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Centre just down the road- very picturesque!

612denaw

Cape Disappointment Lighthouse is positioned high up on a cliff at the mouth of the Columbia River and is a guiding light for the shipping that goes in and out of the busy river traffic. Beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and a great way to see a parade of ships entering the United States.

ebert2013

We had a nice hike to the lighthouse to enjoy the beautiful view overlooking the Pacific and the mouth of the Columbia River. Great area to take nature photographs.

TravelBuff517

Be prepared for a stiff breeze and a brisk wind but your breath will be taken by the view! A State Park Day Pass is well worth it!

Mark951

There is a short walk to the light house but worth the time. The Lighthouse is still in use and there is a coast guardsman inside watching the coast. It can get breezy out on the point so be prepared. There is also a very interesting visitor center a short distance form the lighthouse. It contains a very interesting and informative review of the Lewis and Clark expedidtion. There are actual items from their trip on display as well as detailed accounts of what they did along the way. There is a small entrance fee but well worth it.

RDEshadow

The hike was nice to the lighthouse, but not one of the nicest lighthouse we have visited. Coast Guard staff did show us around inside, which was nice, so I guess that made it more memorable.

KathyB838

The lighthouse was very interesting and the setting was beautiful. My husband enjoyed the hike very much. My disappointment was not being able to go with him. The trail is rated 'difficult' and my knees require 'easy'. I sat in the car and he enjoyed it without me. Be prepared to buy a Discovery Pass if you don't already have one. There is a machine in the parking lot if you are paying by credit/debit card. To use cash, you need to get the pass at the ranger station.

rhfarm

great campsite with lots of privacy and lovely beach to walk when tide is out.Every time we have been here the light house access has been limited.at $40.83 you would thing that they could provide showers with out charge and dry firewood.That being said we will be back great place to go with dogs

598tracya

The hike to the lighthouse was a little steep but so worth it, one of my favorite views from the lighthouse. Amazing, beautiful expanse of ocean. Literally breathtaking. There is a fee to park but you can pay with debit/credit card which was helpful.

631kirbyf

Sits on top of cliff overlooking the bay/river, very majestic. You can take about 1/2 mile hike to get to lighthouse area. You can also go to parking spot near sate park entrance to get some great views & pictures of lighthouse sitting on cliff. Check with attendant at park entrance for best directions.

almyt

It's a half mile hike each way on a very steep (and slippery when wet) trail. I photograph lighthouses so I *had* to make the trip. I'd suggest either viewing from the interpretation center (0.2 miles, steep but paved) or on the North Jetty road which has a spectacular view, even from your car. You will also need a map of the park -- the signage is very poor."Boo" on the state of Washington for charging $10 to park to view. The other lighthouse in the park was closed when we visited, but I'd seen it before.

885JamesC885

The southern most head of the north side of the Columbia River, this lighthouse in tandem with the North Head Lighthouse helps guide ships into the mouth of the Columbia. The walk up is a little uphill and the time I was there one was not able to enter the lighthouse itself.

Niftyfifty59

My hubby wanted to see where the Columbia met the Pacific and this was the perfect spot. The climb was a little strenuous, but if you are hike ready you should be fine. The lighthouse is closed, but the view is spectacular. Be prepared with a credit card to buy a Day Pass for the park- the rangers will ticket those without. Other places in the park to stop, so the fee is worth it. We saw North Head Lighthouse (again, great views) Beard's Hollow, and the marina. There is a restaurant near the marina, camping is available and you can spend a few hours or a few days and not see it Ll.